Woman, 77, killed in bus crash at Piccadilly Gardens as family pay heartbreaking tribute

A 77-year-old woman has tragically died after a bus crashed into a shop at Piccadilly Gardens yesterday. Almena Amica, who was a pedestrian during the incident, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died.

Almena, from south Manchester, was known as Mena to her family and friends. In a statement issued by Greater Manchester Police, her family said: "Mena was dedicated to her family, friends and faith.

"She loved music, gardening, TV soaps and nature. She was the senior member of our family, the eldest sister and great-great-aunt. She was well-loved, our matriarch, and her presence will be hugely missed.

READ MORE: Woman thought she’d got in the way of ‘filming for Top Gear’ shortly before collision which killed biker, trial hears

READ MORE: 'I've never seen anything like it': Shock as horror Piccadilly Gardens bus crash leaves woman fighting for her life

"Mena was a private person and her family asks that this be respected during our time of mourning. We thank all the services and people who came to her aid."

Eleven other people, both pedestrians and bus passengers, were either treated at the scene or in hospital for minor injuries following the collision at around 1pm yesterday (October 16). A 64-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been bailed.

Sergeant Louise Warhurst, from GMP's Serious Injury Collision Unit (SCIU), said: "This was a tragic incident witnessed by a lot of people in a busy area of the city centre. The investigation is progressing thanks to many calls with information received from the public.